‘He will go to new levels in the next few years’ – Arteta says Saliba can still improve

Mikel Arteta believes that Arsenal defender William Saliba can improve his game and reach new levels at Arsenal.

William Saliba is a key part of Arsenal’s defence alongside defensive partner Gabriel Magalhaes that has only conceded 14 goals in the Premier League so far.

Mikel Arteta was asked whether William Saliba can still improve as a player.

“So much,” he answered. “In every area that I look at him there is growth and potential there and he really wants it so I think he will go to different levels in the next few years.”

Arteta further explaied the importance of his defenders on the ball in starting Arsenal attackings and driving the team forward.

“That’s something that we have to continue to evolve and the game will change,” he said. “The opponent will adapt and they will have to find other ways to help them as well and that backline is going to have to take more responsibility as well to break team downs and especially in the manner that most teams set against us, they’re going to be really important.”

The Arsenal boss further outlined which areas Saliba can add to his game.

“First of all the boxes,” he said. “In both boxes he can be much better still. And then everything that goes from box to box in his leadership, the way he commands the line, the way he leads, the way he makes adjustments through the backline. 

“There is a lot and with Gabriel they found a great partnership and he can form other partnerships as well and his status in the team has to grow.”